| Massage therapy has been around for hundreds | | | | 8 second designed to improve the flow of energy |
| of years. If you need to relief from muscle pain | | | | and help the body regain balance. Those who |
| or stress, you can choose from one of the ten | | | | have tried it say that it is relaxing yet firm. The |
| best types of massage therapy around. | | | | best part is that there is no soreness afterwards. |
| 1. First is Swedish massage therapy. This happens | | | | 6. Thai massage is similar to Shiatsu because it |
| to be the most common type to find in the US | | | | aligns the energies of the body using gentle |
| because it is very gentle and relaxing. Here, the | | | | pressure on specific points. Part of the session |
| masseuse will use long strokes, kneading and | | | | also includes compressions and stretches as you |
| circular movements on superficial layers of muscle | | | | are moved in a variety of postures just like yoga |
| using massage lotion or oil. | | | | but in this case, you don't do anything except go |
| 2. Next is aromatherapy and the reason why it is | | | | with the flow. |
| called such is because one or more scented plant | | | | 7. For women that are expecting, they can opt |
| oils are used during the session. You will just have | | | | for pregnancy massage. It is designed to relieve |
| to select the oil you want to use. In fact, the | | | | stress, decrease swelling, relieve aches and pins |
| most popular one is lavender as it is well suited | | | | as well as reduce anxiety and depression. |
| for stress related conditions together with an | | | | 8. Reflexology is also known as foot massage |
| emotional component. | | | | because it involves applying pressure to certain |
| 3. There is also hot stone massage. Here, heated | | | | points on the foot. Those who practice this |
| smooth stones are placed on certain parts of the | | | | believe that the foot corresponds to certain |
| body to help loosen those tight muscles and | | | | organs and systems so if you are able to work |
| balance energy centers in the body. At times, the | | | | on that, you have also done it in the whole body. |
| masseuse may also apply gentle pressure | | | | 9. Then there is sports massage that is designed |
| especially for those who have muscle tension. | | | | for people involved in sports activities. This type is |
| 4. Then there is deep tissue massage. This type is | | | | designed not only for professional athletes since it |
| designed to target the deeper layers of muscle | | | | helps prevent and treat physical injuries. |
| and connective tissue. Here, the masseuse will use | | | | 10. Lastly is back massage which usually lasts 30 |
| slow strokes better known as friction techniques | | | | minutes. Unlike reflexology that focuses on the |
| across the grain of the muscle. | | | | feet because it represents special points in the |
| The distinctive feature of deep tissue massage is | | | | body, this one simply relieves tension in the back |
| that it is used on those that have chronically tight | | | | caused by lifting heavy objects or driving for long |
| or painful muscles, repetitive strain, postural | | | | periods of time. |
| problems and recovery from injury. You will often | | | | Of course there are other kinds of massage |
| feel sore for the next day or two. | | | | therapy aside from the top ten most popular |
| 5. Shiatsu is a Japanese form of massage | | | | ones mentioned. Given that these are the only |
| therapy. Here, the masseuse will use localized | | | | ones available in spas, perhaps you should just |
| finger pressure in a rhythmic sequence on | | | | stick with the best sellers. |
| acupuncture meridians. Each point is held for 2 to | | | | |